Thank you for writing to me about the national legalization of medical marijuana. I understand your support of this issue and the beneficial role that medical marijuana plays in relief of chronic pain and other medical conditions.

In October 2009, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an end to federal raids of medical marijuana dispensaries that are compliant with existing state laws. There have been several pieces of legislation introduced during the 111th Congress that address medical marijuana, such as the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, H.R. 2835, and the Truth in Trials Act, H.R. 3939.

Medical marijuana is used in the treatment of cancer chemotherapy, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. It is also used as a therapy to treat a variety of medical conditions such as nausea, chronic pain, and depressed appetite.

I will continue to work with my colleagues on the issue of providing better pain management resources for those with a medical need. However, in order for Congress to legalize the use of medical marijuana, direction from the Surgeon General is needed.

Thank you again for writing to express your concerns, and I hope that you keep in touch with my office regarding future legislation. For more information on this and other important issues, please visit my website at http://gillibrand.senate.gov and sign up for my e-newsletter.